Whole Foods 3Q sales up 15%

AUSTIN, Texas Whole Foods Market reported that sales for the third quarter ended July 4 increased 15% to $2.2 billion. Comparable-store sales increased 8.8%, or 6.3% on a two-year stacked basis. Identical-store sales, excluding three relocations, increased 8.4%, or 4.6% on a two-year stacked basis.

Income available to common shareholders increased 88% to $65.7 million from $35 million last year,and diluted earnings per share increased 53% to 38 cents.

“We are pleased with our results which compare very favorably to most other food retailers and show we are continuingto gain market share. Our identical-store sales increased 8.4%, accelerating from the second quarter and our highestincrease since 2006. Despite tougher comparisons and the recent dip in reported consumer confidence, our two-yearstacked identical-store sales also sequentially increased to 4.6%,” said John Mackey, co-chief executive officer and co-founderof Whole Foods Market.